The Frome Society is calling for residents to share memories of ‘old Trinity’ between the 1960s and 1970s, 50 years since the Trinity area was saved from complete demolition.
The society will compile residents’ recollections into a document recording Trinity as it used to be, and the impact of those momentous times on the people who called it home.
“It is 50 years since the main part of Frome’s 17th century Trinity area was saved from the bulldozers by popular action, after many of its historic streets had already been bulldozed,” explained a member of Frome Society, Pat Smith.
“However, for the Trinity community, things would never be the same again. Hundreds of residents were dispersed, their houses demolished or refurbished for new occupants to move in.
“This is very much the last chance to find those people and tell their stories.”
A resident who was born and raised in Trinity, Brian Marshall, who is also the treasurer of the society said, “The authorities just saw it as a slum to be cleared. In fact, the houses were sound and had stood the test of time, but the area had become run down and there were no grants to modernise older homes. Residents were moved out to new estates like the Mount, and the close-knit community was destroyed.”
Former chair of the society, Sara Morris and her team of local volunteers are ready and waiting to talk to people who come forward. She said, “These won’t be formal interviews with microphones and recording equipment. It will be a friendly chat where we make notes about what people remember and the stories they would like to tell us about this important part of Frome’s history.”
If you remember Trinity in the 1960s or 1970s, or know someone who does, get in touch. You can phone Brian on 01373 454611, email info@fsls.org.uk or call in to Frome Museum, where you can also see Part 2 of the Trinity exhibition marking the 50-year anniversary.
